County meets with Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals baseball team is still serious about relocating its spring training program to Lee County. To show Lee County is just as serious, county managers made a trip to DC last week.

We could have an answer about the team moving to City of Palms Park within the next thirty to sixty days, according to one of the assistant county managers who flew up to DC to meet with the Nationals' GM, owner and CEO.

But before the team comes, they have a list of demands for the stadium.

"We just felt it was time to go up there and kind of let them know where we were at and get their input, their ideas about what they were willing to accept," said Doug Meurer, Assistant County Manager.

Meurer made the trip with County Manager Karen Hawes. They asked the Nationals for a more specific wish list and a price tag.

"Money is an issue," said Meurer.

Money is a big issue for fans too.

"I don't think we need to spend any more money for to update another park for a third team when we've got two here," said Barbara Coady.

Meurer says the two sides are looking at funding options outside Lee County's Tourist Development Tax and how the Nationals can kick in for upgrades.

But no one's ready to share the price tag just yet.

"I think it would be great for the city. I think it's a great stadium that we've got. It would be nice to fill it with another team if we can," said Bob Johnson.

The Nationals want better fitness rooms and more equipment..

"They're looking at some improvements to the fan experience in terms of seating and that type of thing," said Meurer.

But the talks have been going on for months.

NBC2 learned in February the team had drafted a plan for modifications to the stadium.

With all the waiting, red-tape fatigue could set in.

Meurer says the Nationals are very interested in coming to Lee County. He says they are looking for an answer and the team has asked the county to move forward quickly.

"I would say really within the next 30-60 days hopefully we'll have a pretty firm idea about whether this is going to work," said Meurer.

County managers updated some of the commissioners about the meeting.

Once they know exactly what the Nationals expect and have a better idea about funding, they'll take that information to commissioners. If there's support, there will be a public meeting.

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